Factors influencing communication partners of persons with severe/profound intellectual disability use of augmentative and alternative communication: an integrative review

Purpose: To present a synthesis of evidence related to the factors influencing communication partners’ use of augmentative and alternative communication with persons with severe/profound intellectual disability. Materials and Methods: An integrative review guided by five steps; problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation was undertaken. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, nine databases were searched, 1,342 studies were screened against the eligibility criteria, and 15 studies underwent thematic analysis. Results: Two themes emerged; (1) Achieving Meaningful Communication and (2) Communication Partners’ Preparedness to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Achieving meaningful communication was central to communication partners’ use of augmentative and alternative communication and was two-fold. It involved identifying the persons’ communication methods and encouraging them to communicate. Communication partners’ preparedness also influenced their use of augmentative and alternative communication. This preparedness was impacted by communication partners’ preconceived thoughts about and knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication, nurturing their belief in augmentative and alternative communication, and the interpersonal dynamic between network members. Conclusion: Communication partners’ use of augmentative and alternative communication is influenced by multiple and complex factors. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the potential factors to be considered to prepare communication partners to use augmentative and alternative communication.